PITTSBURGH, PA -- Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, Diocesan Chancellor represented our Diocese at a retirement reception held in honor of His Eminence, Metropolitan Maximos of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh. The reception took place at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh.

The retirement of Metropolitan Maximos, the presiding Hierarch of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh began on September 1, 2011, the beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year.

His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America, in conveying the decision of Metropolitan Maximos to His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew noted:

"For over 32 years, Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh shepherded with apostolic zeal, and with fatherly love and exemplary pastoral care the faithful people of this Metropolis of the Holy Archdiocese. "Beyond this, he ceaselessly offered most valued services to the Holy Archdiocese of America in general, to the Holy Cross Theological School and especially to the ongoing theological discussions between the Orthodox and members of other Christian Churches. "Moreover, Metropolitan Maximos actively and productively participated in the meetings of the Holy Eparchial Synod, offering his theological and linguistic abilities to the formulation of significant texts for the Archdiocese."Without a doubt, he was the unwavering voice of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in our midst, representing the spirit, the ethos and the tradition of the Mother Church."

Metropolitan Maximos has been a long-time friend of our diocese and to Bishop John and Metropolitan Nicholas of Thrice Blessed Memory. His Eminence played an invaluable role in the priestly formation of countless Diocesan priests having served for many years as a Professor of Theology at Christ the Saviour Seminary.

On November 3, 2011, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate announced the Canonical Election of Bishop Savas of Troas, the former chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and director of the Archdiocesan Office for Church, Society and Culture as successor to Metropolitan Maximos.

May Almighty God Grant to His Eminence, Metropolitan Maximos, spiritual peace and joy as he enters into retirement. Eis Polla Eti Despota.